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Hello everyone. I have been avoiding this place like the plague lately because I am ashamed to post about my progress.

Since I last posted, I have gained nearly 30 pounds by eating every single avoid I could get my hands on. I don’t know what my problem is!!

I’m about to be more honest with you guys than I get with my family or friends so please forgive me. I am hoping that you won’t hold this against me…and it’s so much easier to talk to strangers. This shouldn’t be so difficult, but I have a very addictive personality. In my life I have beat addiction in two forms; drugs and cigarettes/nicotine. Both were difficult to quit, but I did. I made the decision and basically locked myself away from the temptation until it was bearable to face it again. I quit both of the above behaviors cold-turkey. It has been more than 7 years since I have had any type of drug (other than a few painkillers when I broke my leg and had surgery last year. I wouldn’t even refill the prescriptions and only took pills when it was absolutely necessary.) It has been more than 7 months since I quit cigarettes and although I am still a new quitter…I know I have quit forever. I am through the withdrawal and will never again sacrifice my free-will and health for a 5-10 second buzz. Watching smokers or smelling someone’s smoke nauseates me now.

I never thought poor eating habits were addictions, I always thought of them as bad habits, but I exhibit the same types of feelings/behaviors with junk food that I did around my other addictions.

Why can’t I just quit eating things that are bad for me?!? I’m so angry and frustrated right now I could literally cry. I should be happy because I know that I have quit two very addictive substances, it shouldn’t be a problem to put down the burger and fries, pizza, candy, or whatever else. I have started the BTD on 3 or 4 different occasions. Each time I felt better, lost weight and enjoyed the food I ate. I didn’t feel like I was missing out on anything at all. I would hit one bump in the road and freefall.

It was like when I quit smoking. I had quit numerous times over the past 5 years or so, but I would always think that I could handle that one cigarette at a party. Then the next day I would bum a few from a friend, and the next day I would buy a pack. That has been exactly how my BTD experience has been. I would stumble once, then twice, then freefall.

Has anyone else on this forum experienced anything like this or am I just losing my mind???

Am I really a junk food junkie?!?Maybe if I put a label on it I can kick it the way I have kicked other things in my past. The trick is…you can’t lock yourself away from junk food until the withdrawal goes away, it is so accessible. Between driving past 100 fast food restaurants on my way home from work and watching dozens of commercials with beautiful, skinny people eating burgers while smiling and dancing, it is so much harder.

I can’t imagine how hard it would be for a heroin addict to quit if commercials on TV, billboards, etc. showed beautiful, happy people shooting up while smiling and dancing. I know it’s not the same thing…but I can’t escape my addiction, that’s what I mean.

You may ask me why I’m spilling my guts like this to you all. It’s because I am setting a quit date and want you guys to know that I will likely need encouragement, tips for foods that curb cravings, and any other advice you may have to offer.

Please let me know if anyone has had similar experiences. Surely I am not the only person who has had this problem.

Sorry this was so long, but I really am at my wits end. I feel like this problem is big enough that I need to tell people about it in order to begin to heal/change.

Thanks, Page

Posted by: Janet, Wednesday, April 25, 2007, 3:58pm; Reply: 1

Please take heart Page,You are sure in the best company to share any problem with...I know that from experience.IMO it's always a good thing to look at our achievements and you are doing that. Was there not a time when you thought you'd never quit drugs and later quite smoking? But you have done both...so why not junk food ??)Sure it tastes good and is everywhere you look but so are all tempting things for all other people!! Now I don't have any particular answers because I believe it all comes down to 'will power' and how strong we are feeling on a particular day...until we somehow either go cold turkey with such detemination that we succeed or as you have experienced...you go freefall again, until the next time :-/For me it's particularly CHOCOLATE...boy I love the stuff...too much :oI can leave it alone and I can hog it!! IMO you sound like an 'all or nothing' type person. If that is true, then that's how it may have to be.You may have to make many, many changes in your life so that those temptations of junk food are not coming your way...could include not watching any TV. That's OK, we haven't had one for years...people can survive believe me ;)

IMO, you're half there already by just admitting that you have a problem, so what have you to lose ??) but for sure you've everything to gain...hang in there and stay on the btd forum for support and good advice from many like minded people :K)

ooo :o poor thingy....I do feel as much as I can with you :-/ please don't blame you anymore, hereJanet is completely right hang in here and get well soon ;) :D I can't say that I've a similar experience, but ::) I gained some poundies too, but not all is menopausal related ::) :-/.....white chocolate is calling me sometimes very energically....and here I can't resiste....even in knowing that I am a nonnie and shouldn't eat any kind of sugar:B :X.....mea culpabut it tastes sometimes soooooo good :-/ ...a form of decompensation instead of carresses :-/....I think yesssss.......it's easier to chew a white piece of chocolate then all other human needs related actions ::) :B.....

so what.... ;) we are going for the next day and try...and that's it ;) ;D......doesn't bother.....this is also a form of exercise....(sunny)

Posted by: 95 (Guest), Wednesday, April 25, 2007, 4:23pm; Reply: 3

Thank you for your quick responses and encouragement.

I am an all-or-nothing type person and I probably need to work on that. I have been sharing the negatives with you all, but there are many positives too. This type of obsession has helped me in school and work. Dive right in! That's my motto.

Now that I'm concious of it I will try to aim it in the right direction.

Posted by: Rodney, Wednesday, April 25, 2007, 4:25pm; Reply: 4

Hang in there Page you can do it with strong will power and determination...I have the same carvings from time to time but they do go away with time. Surround your self with good foods and thoughts to help you make your journey more pleasant. Get an exercise program going for your self {if you don't already} I have found yoga to be one of my favorites. I feel so much better after my program and don't want to mess it up by pigging out on junk food..It is really hard to make the right decisions in this world we live in, I was counting the fast food joints on the way to work the other day and I live in a small town.. 12 fast food places to temp me that's why its so hard to put the c**p food out of our minds not to count what is on the TV...Eat for your heart and your body NOT for your taste buds and after a while you will find the good foods are much tastier than what you once thought were good....buy healthy foods drink lots of water and leave the junk foods alone. ;)how's that for a pep talk..BTW don't forget to pray for your self ;)I will pray for you too :)

Posted by: veggiegirl, Wednesday, April 25, 2007, 4:47pm; Reply: 5

I once heard the saying, "Eat to live ... don't live to eat." Makes sense and I still think about it sometimes especially when I get the cravings.

Perhaps start by trying to understand the "why" behind you're eating ... are you angry, depressed, happy, etc., when you find yourself eating the avoids? Try to deal with those feelings in a way unrelated to food ... e.g. meditation, prayer, talking with someone, posting here, etc.

Good luck - you're in good hands in this very diverse community! Many thoughts & prayers for you! ;D

Posted by: Lola, Wednesday, April 25, 2007, 4:55pm; Reply: 6

as all addictions, work one day at a time and it will be easier!design your own levels of discipline and feel good about achieving them on a day to day basis.....until you are free, and feel good about yourself.

Posted by: Chris, Wednesday, April 25, 2007, 5:18pm; Reply: 7

Page, I can relate to what you shared. I've been addicted to drugs and cigarettes. And I have certainly seen that for me addiction doesn't end there. Junk food addiction at one time seemed impossible for me to kick. I've tended to do things in all or nothing modes. I'd become super BTD compliant for a stretch and then suddenly I'd be consuming junk food into oblivion. I kept thinking about my all or nothing tendencies and kept looking at one of the "Lifestyle Strategies: Make lifestyle changes gradually, rather than trying to tackle everything at once" (LR4YT 124). Then about five months ago, I started a doable compliance plan. I still ate some avoids, but avoided the worst avoids and ate lots of beneficials. Gradually over these past five months I've been working towards a lifestyle that is more LR4YT compliant. At times I've gotten frustrated. I started out eating way too much food, despite following my compliance plan. I've cut a few things out, changed a few things and I've gotten a little better at living right for my type. I've got a few pounds of fat I'd like to lose and pounds of muscle that I'd like to put on, but I have faith that these things will happen when the time is right, despite, at times, me wanting things now. I believe the neuropathways in my brain are gradually changing as I gradually change the way I live. And I think what I am gaining is truly a new "lifestyle" instead of a quick, dramatic change followed by falling off the wagon. Sure some drugs you probably don't taper off, but for me when it comes to food--something we need to survive and something we've been consuming daily well before ever using drugs and since it's so available, legal and often acceptable--I've found that the gradual approach works best. There's still beneficial foods that I haven't incorporated into my life. It takes a while to find which store to buy these new foods and figure out how to prepare them so that they are enjoyable. I don't see that "Make lifestyle changes gradually..." line in the Type A chapter, but I think it could benefit anyone who struggles with making certain changes in their lives.

Posted by: Jane, Wednesday, April 25, 2007, 5:25pm; Reply: 8

Page,There was a show on TV recently about just this subject. It profiled people that had one kind of addiction, kicked it and ended up with another. In the person they profiled, some that had stomach stapling ended up as a addictive shopper. It took some time and some therapy but eventually she was able to do it. Hang in there, you've been successful twice in kicking serious problems, find some other outlet like exercise to get the endophins.Jane

Page, thank you for your honest sharing. I've been eating right for my type since 1997 and while it has improved my health and sense of being in balance profoundly, I still struggle with weight and with taking too many walks on the wild(ly-refined) carb side. I probably always will. Some of us are just more sensitive to the refined starches and sugars in our modern food supply than others. By the way, I have a feeling that ER4YG might fine tune things in such a way that addresses this, as I think some of us are just of an ancient genotype that can't handle the modern food supply with any sort of grace or aplomb, ya know? I think the diet for us will be refined and spelled out in such a way as to help us avoid our tendency to jump the rails even more than it does now.

All we can do is the best we can do. Unlike other "addictions", one can't go cold turkey with food. You have to eat and it is very tricky, at least for me, to do so in indeal enough of a fashion so consistently that I never, ever get triggered to carb out a tad (or two). And even when I'm doing very well with diet, if I don't exercise to beat the band, I lose NOTHING and I often gain, because again I think this same dang ancient genotype makes our metabolism WAAAAY too efficient for the modern food supply. We hold on to fat like we are never going to get any in our diet again. I know that, for about a year since I have had excruciating foot pain (long story), I have not been exercising nearly as much as I did before. And even though my diet has been chugging along pretty well, I am not losing anything (at least I don't think I am, who knows, I tossed my scale into the dumpster).

Again, all we can do is the best we can do. And, imho, the absolute best we can do is the BTD. Just be as compliant as you can, as much as you can. And when you aren't perfect, don't flog yourself too mercilessly. Ya pick yourself up, ya dust yourself off, and you proceed on from here.

No worries, mate!

Posted by: 1044 (Guest), Wednesday, April 25, 2007, 5:36pm; Reply: 10

Hi Page!

I am a newbie for the third time in my life! I have started & restarted this lifestyle at least three times. The difference now for me is that I woke up one day & just felt tired of being tired. I am actually cooking which I swear that gene skipped me. My point is everything will fall into place when the time is right! If you fall down& scrape a knee, that's ok. I have fallen way down before & just got plain tired of it.

Right now I know that I am supposed to be exercising hard core, but I am using my time to focus soley on food. I get incredibly overwhelmed & quite honestly I just now started posting threads again because everyone is so helpful, but sometimes it's information overload. You are very courageous & know there is a family here that supports you!

Hugs!

Jen

Posted by: KimonoKat, Wednesday, April 25, 2007, 5:40pm; Reply: 11

I am very familiar with this issue. Personally, I feel it's emotionally based. I mean, intellectually you know the Avoids are bad for you, but you choose to eat them anyway because on some level, they give you that instant gratification/comfort. But the feeling does come back.

Have you tried counseling to get some support for quitting this addiction? (I'm not saying that were are not here to help you, but I think a professional could help you dig into those personal areas with you and help you look at them introspectively. Identify where it is you need help.) In other words, you go to a therapist and you say, I want to conquer this bad food choice issue I have, and I'd like to do it in say, 3 months. At the end of three months, I want to have the emotional strength to no longer eat food for emotional support, but for my good health. In those times where I am under stress, I want to have the emotional strength not to "fall off the wagon" so to speak.

See?

Food addictions are the hardest to solve because, we just can't stop eating like you can alcohol, drugs or cigarettes. You still have to eat. And food is everywhere. It's on TV, it's in front of you at the drug store, your friends bring over food you can't have. You can't escape it. So, imho, you need to develop your emotional/inner self to be able to manage those situations where, you are under stress, and it's easier to choose the bad food. A lot of it has to do with the inner dialog we have with ourselves. Did you know that it takes at least ten positive messages to drown out a single negative message? That's what you have to change. Is your inner dialog to yourself. The things you say to yourself. Some people, it helps if they start a journal, and start journaling about their food. I recommend to people to look in the mirror and talk to yourself. At least 10 positive statements about yourself. Try it. It's not as easy as it sounds, especially if you've got negative messages rolling around in your head.

I would tackle this one area at a time. Take one or two items, and make a goal to remove those items, or to add a positive food item, exercise strategy, stress reduction strategy. And write down what you eat. And write down at least a page of positive statements about yourself. Remind yourself you your accomplishments.

And, come here for support. Whenever you need it. Reach out. The members here will help you however they can to help you succeed in choosing the right foods, for your type.

Posted by: Chris, Wednesday, April 25, 2007, 5:43pm; Reply: 12

Quoted Text

Perhaps start by trying to understand the "why" behind you're eating ... are you angry, depressed, happy, etc., when you find yourself eating the avoids? Try to deal with those feelings in a way unrelated to food ... e.g. meditation, prayer, talking with someone, posting here, etc.

What veggiegirl mentions here has helped be too. I journal a lot; sometimes I call someone; I talk to my roommates about what's bothering me. I go to a support group for addiction.

For me part of eating junk food (and using cigarettes and drugs) is just habit; it's just what I'm used to doing when I don't have anything else to do. But another part of why I've done these things is that something in life was bothering me. You might find some of these things that we've mentioned to be helpful. Quitting cigarettes is huge. Way to go on that.

One more thing. I recently checked out a book called The Kaizen Way. In a nutshell it talks about making small gradual changes. But you might find some helpful stuff in it. The author describes an interesting way a woman quit smoking cigarettes. You've already quit, but the same techniques can be applied to quitting junk food or many other changes in life.

Oh, and keep talking to people here at the forums.

Posted by: gulfcoastguy, Wednesday, April 25, 2007, 5:55pm; Reply: 13

Hi Page! You probably tried many different plans before you beat your other two addictions so don't be discouraged if it takes a few tries to completely adopt the BTD way of life. Here's one to try on: every week have as a goal to replace one avoid with a beneficial that you aren't used to and write it down in a journal. Don't say I won't have X, say I would rather have Y. In the study of neuro linguistic programing and atheletic performance visualize what you are going to do rather than what you are not going to do have been found to be more effective. When the urge to do something I shouldn't do becomes unbearable I like to get the dog and take her for a walk. It is hard to be depressed while walking a happy dog in the sun shine with all the neighbors talking to you as you pass by. It burns off stress and calories also.

BTW it seems KimonoKat and I had much the same idea at the same time. She is just a faster composer/keyboarder.

Posted by: 95 (Guest), Wednesday, April 25, 2007, 7:54pm; Reply: 14

Thank you all so much for the good advice and the wonderful support. I will take this home today and print it out so I can reread it over and over.

You are right. I am an emotional eater and this has not been the best year or two for me. I have quit smoking (good, but stressful), broke my leg, had to have surgery, changed jobs, moved to another city, etc. Plus, I've had a lot more financial concerns than ever. I find that I have been eating when I am not hungry just to make myself feel better. Refined sugar and caffeine are in so much of what I have been eating...it's just terrible. I do get a happy 'high' feeling when I eat and I think it's because I am eating my drugs now...sugar & caffeine. I really do get a nervous/shaky feeling before I eat like I used to when I needed a cigarette.

It's amazing, but just talking about it...really spelling out the 'why' is helping me to formulate a strategy to conquer my junk food binges. I have been replacing one indulgence with another and now that I understand, I can develop a plan.

Thank you again...so much. I have to go now, but I'll check the forum again when I get home tonight.

That shaky nervous feeling sounds a lot like hypoglycemia. Refined sugars, starches, and high glycemic index carbohydrates can cause the pancreas to flood the body with insulin telling it to store the surplus energy as fat. Since the foods are more refined or concentrated than the body was designed for it over does it and the blood sugar level crashes to below what it was prior to the carb fest. Caffeine also stimulates the body into releasing more glucose into the blood stream resulting in a similar effect. Some peanut butter can slow down the blood sugar changes in A's.

A broken leg also results in lost muscle mass thereby lowering the base metabolism and increasing the ration of fat to muscle even if the total weight doesn't change (been there, done that).

That is also a lot of stress for one year. Excercise especially yoga could help with that. Maybe wean yourself off caffeine?

Posted by: Poly, Wednesday, April 25, 2007, 8:52pm; Reply: 17

Hey Page! Thank you for sharing your thoughts and experiences with us.

There's a really good book by Allan Carr called "The Easy Way to Stop Smoking". I would imagine you could also try it for drinking.

Are you a bit of an anxious person? It sounds like you are. My guess is that it might be contributing to your addiction. Why don't you try the anti-stress protocol that Dr. D lists in his Complete Blood Type Encyclopedia?

Type A's in general have problems with nerves and stress, I've read. You might also try massage therapy or something like that. But it definitely sounds a bit to me like you've got anxiety or something.

Posted by: Mitchie, Thursday, April 26, 2007, 10:09am; Reply: 20

[quote=Ronagon]Page,

There's a really good book by Allan Carr called "The Easy Way to Stop Smoking". I would imagine you could also try it for drinking.

Hi Page - As a fellow A I'll put in my two cents. First, please, please, please read the book Ronagon suggests. You can get it at Amazon or maybe your library might have it. I've just recently become a non-smoker and I can see a pattern with you not smoking and turning to food to fill that void. I realize it's been quite a long time since you've quit (good for you!) but if you still feel like you have "given something up" by quitting smoking you will somehow fill that void. Believe me, I've quit smoking 5 or 6 times so I get what you're going through. Please give the book a try!

As for the "all or nothing" attitude? I'm right there with you. I always jump into anything with both feet, never testing the water first. Maybe it's an A thing?

I honestly think you need to get your head around the not smoking thing. Substituting junk food for cigarettes is such an easy path. I've done it many, many times. :D

Posted by: Susana, Thursday, April 26, 2007, 11:36am; Reply: 21

Hi Page,

Unfortunately, I could have written your initial post to the T.

I have been on this boat 5 years now. I started BTD in June 2002 and have had an issue with “Will power” since August 2002, when I first fell off the wagon.

I have tried: mind control, Hindu meditation, 12 steps, Catholic religion, I Ching, EFT, exercising, Allen Carr’s for smoking and food control, personal counselling, substances like, L-glutamine, L-Tyrosine, Deflect, Focus plus, etc. I have gone grain free, total avoid abstinence, allowed “a little” avoid when need arose, one day at a time, abstinent for a lifetime. Done Atkins, the Zone, Sugar Addicts, Master Cleanse (10 day fast) have written down what I eat and the mood prior and after indulgence, have read books like “Addicted to Unhappiness”…

For sure I am forgetting something and many I am omitting not to bore you.

I think I have tried everything. I have not tried acupuncture or opening my chacras for the food addiction as I tried it for smoking and it did not work. Why would it do so for food? Acupuncture did help me stabilize after quitting harder substances but it did not help me quit.

The post seems quite depressing but I am writing to say: THERE IS HOPE.

First I would say that the worst time has been the last few weeks when I ceased trying. I gave up.

So DO NOT GIVE UP. You never know what is going to work for you. Also, the fact that I was constantly trying something new help me not gain too much weight. And, since, other than the fasts, I have not gone low calorie I never gained with revenge.

I do not think it is only a matter of will power. Actually, and addict is an addict because will power is non existent. For me there is a difference between dependence and addiction. One can be dependant on a cup of coffee to get moving in the morning. One is addicted to coffee when one consumes against one’s will. As in: “tomorrow I will not have coffee” and first thing one does next day is turn the coffee machine on and… drink the coffee!

If one observes, the first time one stops smoking it is very easy. The same as the first time cold turkey on BTD. It is when the “will power” has been overridden that it becomes weaker and weaker as we insist on going against it. The more times one gets off the wagon, the harder it is to remain on. The more times we say: “tomorrow I will BTD” and then start the day with an avoid, the weaker the will becomes.

What I have found that has taken me out of a horrid pit last week and is keeping me very well is the answers to the following questions.

1) What made me quit other bad habits? (had the same as you). BTW, I was cigarette free for three years before I started my food addiction. I was actually addiction free for 3 years and I did not gain weight and I was having a blast.

My food addiction did not start because of “bad” in my life. Just, as part of life pleasures, I started eating more and more and more especially carbs until I wanted to reduce their consumption. I started saying: “Oh well, tomorrow will be another day” and since the next day arrived without any weight or health issues… why not indulge in some pleasure… Poor “will” of mine.

For me the answer to this question was very clear. I wanted to follow God and these habits got in my way. Strong enough reason to quit cold turkey. Well with cigarettes it took me more than one attempt.

2) What precisely do I want to stop/ get rid off? I personally do not have an issue with eg. having a candy bar. I have an issue with having three in a row when I should be having a good salad. Or when I buy them at a gas station… my poor pocket!

MY belief on the BTD has played a key role here. Do I really want to follow BTD principles? Is eating non BTD benefiacials/neutrals what I want to eradicate? How compliant do I want to be?

3) Are the same reasons I quit bad habits before applicable for this new habit?

The answer is ceratinly Yes!

I am still not clear as the relationship between God and BTD but, I would certainly believe God is not pleased with me indulging in gluttony. So that is what I am working on for starters. Where does nutrition end and gluttony start? I am following BTD portions/frequencies as I think they are good nutritional principles and I feel good with them. Having a salad and a small steak for lunch is fine and I am fortunate I can have it.

Also, throughout March I followed Christopher Fairburn “Overcoming Binge Eating. A New Scientifically Based Program”. I was meant to write all I ate and treat all foods as good. I realized I was having coffee latte and white wheat bread with butter and cheese for breakfast, snack, and lunch. Then I left it only for breakfast but I was not feeling to good and I think it is what took me straight into the pit. I was missing BTD principles.

But certainly focusing and trying to understand at a deeper level on what I want and do not want is helping me tremendously on eating healthy. Perhaps I have a little avoid here or there but I do not binge on avoids and I am eating very healthy, exercising… I feel good!

Well, I hope, my post together with all others that have been posted help you achieve some peace as well as healthy eating habits.

My very best wishes.

:K)

Posted by: Brighid45, Thursday, April 26, 2007, 2:51pm; Reply: 22

Page, I've struggled with the same problems for years regarding food addictions. And I've found that when stress levels in my life go up, my addictions go crazy.

A big part of the puzzle for me has turned out to be dealing with stress first. Minimize stress, and the need for comfort foods and addictive eating fades. It never really goes completely away, but I can deal with low-level cravings much more easily than the wild and crazy kind.

Be gentle with yourself. You've had a lot of stress-inducing events in your life lately. Consider trying the type A anti-stress protocol listed in the BTD Encyclopedia (Ronagon gave you the supplement list in her post).

Hang in there. You're doing better than you think :) I'm glad you came here to talk with us all and get some help and support. That tells me you really want to shift your energies and focus. Well done :)

Posted by: Olerica, Thursday, April 26, 2007, 5:12pm; Reply: 23

Page, I don't have much to contribute to you that isn't in the wise words of the above posts. I did however want to give you a virtual {{{{HUG}}}}. I have been there, and at times still struggle.

For me, it's a "this instant" thing. Being consious of my choice RIGHT NOW. Sometimes I give in to what I don't need but want, but mostly it's easier to care for me when I stop to remember that I am caring FOR ME.

YOU are worth it... you CAN care for yourself.

Posted by: Alia Vo, Thursday, April 26, 2007, 11:04pm; Reply: 24

Thank you for your courage and strength to return to the BTD Forum and post with us again.

Yes, you will always find information, resources, and support here.

I believe if you decide to make the personal commitment to this lifestyle, you will gain many health benefits in the long run.

Alia

Posted by: Lola, Friday, April 27, 2007, 1:16am; Reply: 25

Brighid,is Ronagon a she???don t think so....

Quoted Text

(Ronagon gave you the supplement list in her post).

;)

Posted by: Vicki, Friday, April 27, 2007, 3:46am; Reply: 26

The new product Glycoscia may help you kick the sugar. http://www.4yourtype.com/prodinfo.asp?number=NP056 Eating concentrated sugars leads to eating concentrated sugars. As soon as you start focusing on turkey/salmon/etc and stop eating the sugars, you will be free of the sugars. Force yourself to take a cup of tea when you want to pig out on poor food choices.

Consider kicking watching TV (forever...err....I mean...) until you feel more stable with your food choices. Audiobooks, radio, music, etc are also very entertaining. A visit to the library can be an inexpensive way to access this type of media.

You are in a new place...have you established friends and activities there yet? Use the web to find parks and special events in your area. For instance, do you have a farmer's market in your area?

Posted by: veggiegirl, Sunday, April 29, 2007, 12:22am; Reply: 27

I receive a daily prayer and thought ... here's one from last week and I thought of you ...

"You can determine to be a success no matter what the circumstances of life throw at you on a daily basis. Determination is important because if you're determined to accomplish a goal, then you have a high probability of achieving it. Through the power and love of God, you can be assured that your determination will not fail. You may have financial difficulties, a broken relationship, or even more serious issues; but you will get through it all with God's strength and your determination. You can choose to be a victorious person through any adversity or struggle, but it takes your complete dedication and determination to come out on top."

You can do this! ;)

Posted by: 95 (Guest), Tuesday, May 1, 2007, 4:42pm; Reply: 28

Thank you all so much.

I wanted to let you know how much better I am doing after posting my initial post and reading your responses. I have started a diary the same way I did when I quit smoking and it has helped tremendously. It's not a food diary (although I do keep track of my meals in it), it is more a daily reflection and experience journal. For example...if I am tempted by a certain food I will write about how the craving felt, what I did or thought to combat it, and how I felt after the temptation subsided.

Other times I have started this or any other diet, my main objective was to lose weight. Up until this point my concern was always the outside of my body. The turning point was when I watched Super Size Me last week. I was amazed at how bad junk food really is for you. We all know it makes you feel bad, and we all know that being obese is bad for your long term health, but to see a young, normal looking guy with so many doctors concerned for his liver and overall health really shocked me. That could be me.

My concern this time is deeper and therefore I trust I will have a stronger resolve to do what I know is right. I have set a schedule for myself including 3 meals and 3 snacks every day. I am drinking green tea every day(thanks for the advice) and I am making it a point to eat at least 6 bennies a day. I am also adopting the same mentality I did when I quit my other addictions (pills and cigarettes), I am not doing this forever, I am doing this one day at a time. One step at a time, one meal at a time. That way I won't have the excuse to eat a big bacon cheeseburger tomorrow because this lifestyle change is too hard. I am making the commitment to eat my next meal or snack in compliance with the BTD, tomorrow will take care of itself.

Thanks again to everyone who posted links and material information. I am looking into those, and thank you veggiegirl for posting the prayer. It was beautiful and really spoke to me.

I truly believe God is helping me through this difficulty and I will come out on top. :)

I just wanted to touch base and let everyone know that I am doing very well on the BTD lately. I have been mainly compliant and I'm feeling much better.

Thanks so much for all your support and encouragement. :)

Posted by: Lola, Wednesday, June 6, 2007, 1:32am; Reply: 32

great news!keep up the spirit!

Posted by: Peppermint Twist, Friday, June 29, 2007, 5:46pm; Reply: 33

Quoted from Page

I just wanted to touch base and let everyone know that I am doing very well on the BTD lately. I have been mainly compliant and I'm feeling much better.

Thanks so much for all your support and encouragement. :)

Glad to hear that you are doing well!!!! :D

Posted by: Rodney, Friday, June 29, 2007, 6:01pm; Reply: 34

(clap)(dance)(clap)(dance)(sunny)(sunny)great news! :D

Posted by: 782 (Guest), Saturday, June 30, 2007, 1:48am; Reply: 35

Page, I don't know a ton about this and someone else may have mentioned this already but as you get back into things, maybe a foremost useful point would be to look at nutrition (and lifestyle etc.) that helps counter addictive tendencies. In other words, if you find some good tools to help you deal with that and make that part primary, the other stuff can more easily follow.

(That's probably obvious, so please just take it as an affirmation.) ;D

Posted by: Debra+, Sunday, July 1, 2007, 12:39am; Reply: 36

Quoted from Page

I just wanted to touch base and let everyone know that I am doing very well on the BTD lately. I have been mainly compliant and I'm feeling much better.

Thanks so much for all your support and encouragement. :)

Great news Page...thanks for letting us know how you are doing.

Support and encouragement :D:D ...that is what this BTD forum family is all about. :K)